The landscape of the Kenyan automotive industry is shifting gears. For decades, the sight of “units” arriving in containers at the Port of Mombasa has defined our car market. however, as we move into 2026, the narrative is changing from “Imported” to “Assembled in Kenya.” At the heart of this revolution is the MojaEV assembly plant.
While the facility originally began its journey in the export processing zones of Athi River, its massive expansion and transition toward the Mombasa Special Economic Zone mark a new era. This isn’t just about putting tires on frames; it’s about Kenya positioning itself as a global hub for sustainable mobility.
A New Dawn for Local Manufacturing
The MojaEV plant represents a significant leap for the automag.co.ke community, which has long followed the progress of local vehicle production. By moving into large-scale assembly, MojaEV is tackling two of the biggest hurdles in the Kenyan car market: the high cost of brand-new vehicles and the environmental impact of older internal combustion engines.
This facility is designed to handle thousands of units annually, focusing on popular models like the Neta V and various electric light commercial vehicles. By assembling locally, the company benefits from tax incentives under the National Automotive Industry Development Bill, which translates to more affordable price tags for the Kenyan mwananchi.
Impact on the Second-Hand Market
Even as we celebrate new technology, the second-hand market remains the backbone of Kenyan transport. Interestingly, the rise of local assembly helps stabilize the prices of used cars by providing more options. For instance, as fleet owners transition to new electric taxis from MojaEV, more well-maintained petrol vehicles enter the secondary market.
To find second-hand cars suitable for these changing economic conditions, check out auto24.co.ke, where you can find reliable models like the Toyota Fielder or Nissan Note that remain practical choices while the EV infrastructure continues to grow. Finding a quality used car on AUTO24 allows drivers to save on initial costs while the country prepares for a full electric transition.
Why “Athi River to the World”?
The “Athi River” heritage of MojaEV is symbolic. It started as a bold experiment in a small industrial hub and has now scaled to a level where these vehicles are being eyed for export to the greater East African Community (EAC). Kenya is no longer just a consumer; we are becoming a creator.
For enthusiasts who want to stay updated on how these local plants are competing with global brands, autoskenya.com provides excellent deep dives into car reviews and the latest regional automotive news.
Transitioning to Green: What You Need to Know
If you are considering making the switch to electric this year, you don’t have to wait for a locally assembled unit to hit the showroom floor. For drivers looking to explore sustainable mobility, EV24.africa offers import options for electric cars, expanding choices in the premium and mid-range EV segments.
Pro-Tips for Maintaining an Electric Vehicle (EV)
Whether your EV is locally assembled at MojaEV or imported via EV24, maintenance is different from your traditional petrol car:
- Battery Health: Avoid letting your battery drop below 20% or sitting at 100% for long periods. The 20-80% rule is the “sweet spot” for longevity.
- Brake Care: EVs use regenerative braking, meaning your physical brake pads last much longer. However, you should still have them inspected annually to ensure they haven’t seized from disuse.
- Software Updates: Modern EVs are like smartphones on wheels. Ensure your vehicle’s firmware is updated to optimize battery management and safety features.
- Cooling Systems: EVs have coolant systems for the battery pack. Ensure these are checked during your regular service intervals.
Read more here: How to prepare your home for an Electric Vehicle.
The Future of the Kenyan Road
The MojaEV plant is more than just a factory; it is a signal to the world that Kenya is ready for high-tech manufacturing. As the “8-year rule” becomes stricter on imports, having a local assembly line ensures that our transport sector doesn’t grind to a halt. It creates jobs, lowers the cost of ownership, and cleans up the air in our cities.
Whether you are looking for the latest news on automag.co.ke or searching for a reliable used vehicle on auto24.co.ke, the Kenyan automotive space in 2026 offers more variety and excitement than ever before.
